Manly and Cronulla deem Brookvale Oval surface too dangerous to play on

The dodgy Brookvale Oval playing surface has been deemed too dangerous by Manly and Cronulla, who have abandoned a pre-season trial match at the antiquated ground.

Cronulla Sharks NRL official Shane Smith inspects Brookvale Oval with Manly officials including coach Des Hasler and Manly GM of football John Bonasera, after concerns regarding the playing surface. Picture: Brett Costello

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The dodgy Brookvale Oval playing surface has been deemed too dangerous by Manly and Cronulla who have abandoned a pre-season trial match at the antiquated ground.

In a major decision made to protect the welfare of almost $10 million in playing talent, the Sea Eagles and Sharks pre-season trial match scheduled next Saturday night has been hastily moved 45km south to Shark Park.

The call has also been made ahead of the Waratahs opening round of the Super Rugby season against the Hurricanes at Brookvale Oval on Friday.

Cronulla and Manly officials have deemed the surface will not be up to scratch. Picture by Brett Costello.

Eager to host the trial and enable the club’s corporates, members and the local community a first-look at their 2019 aspirations, Manly officials were willing to wait until after the Super Rugby match had been played before making a final call on the state of the playing surface.

However, a 7am inspection by officials from both the Sea Eagles and Sharks of the boggy ground on Friday morning was enough for both clubs to declare the risk of a pre-season injury too high.

As pictured by The Daily Telegraph, Manly’s head coach Des Hasler, football manager John Bonasera, chief financial officer Brett Manwaring and Cronulla football manager Shane Smith inspected the pitch for almost 40-minutes.

After a lengthy discussion the two clubs were united in an unwillingness to ask their players to play on a surface which could be compared to a suburban dog park.

Neither club was willing to subject their club to the surface. Picture by Brett Costello.

The decision by both clubs to shift the important first-out of 2019 will also raise serious questions as to why a revamp of the Brookvale Oval playing surface was not included in the State Government’s recently announced $36.1 million in funding for a centre of excellence at the northern end of the ground.

The Sharks said they were ready and willing to host the pre-season clash in the Sutherland Shire at 7.30pm next Saturday night -which will also feature trial matches for SG Ball and NSW Cup.

Cronulla coach John Morris paid thanks to Hasler and the Sea Eagles club for putting the welfare of the players first.

“I want to acknowledge Manly and Dessie for giving up a trial, which no doubt they would’ve liked to have been able to host for their fans,’’ Morris said.

“They now have to travel to our ground, but they’ve done it out of respect to the players.

“Nobody wants to put unnecessary risk on the players, at any time, but particularly so close to the start of the season.’’

Brookvale has the worst surface in the league. Picture by Brett Costello.

Both coaches are expected to roll out several of their bigger names in the trial with Hasler leaning towards unveiling his 2019 halves combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Kane Elgey.

Dylan Walker, Api Korisaou and Martin Tapau are also pushing to play.

Morris said he would make a decision on star recruit Shaun Johnson closer to the trial match.

But former Bulldogs centre Josh Morris would be a certain starter in his first match in Cronulla colours.

“Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan will miss this trial match, but Josh Morris will play and so too will Chad Townsend, Jack Williams and Kyle Flanagan,’’ Morris said.

“It will also be an important hitout for some of the guys who we feel are really pushing for an NRL start this year including Blake Brailey, Bronson Xerri and Briton Nikora.

“It will also be a great chance for fans to come and watch some very talented footballers for the first time this year.’’

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Originally published as Manly and Cronulla deem Brookvale Oval surface too dangerous to play on